Title

Author

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Arts

Major

Political Science

Date of Defense

8-29-2016

Graduate Advisor

David Kimball

Committee

David Kimball

David Robertson

Sarah Gehlert

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to determine whether the United States will experience a significant increase in the passage of Death with Dignity legislation. The methods used to predict future legislation was a comparative examination of the history of the legislation politically and socially within the United States. The historical trends of the legislation were compared with global trends as well as current societal factors that may influence legislation. The results will indicate that societal factors such as global influence, social media and the Baby Boom generation will have a dramatic affect in the rapid increase in Death with Dignity legislation soon to come. The paper will conclude that due to the historical trends of the legislation and the current societal factors involved in the issue; the Supreme Court should expand the original ruling allowing the option of Death with Dignity to be available in all 50 states.